Security agent vs facility security officer

The differences between security agents and facility security officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a facility security officer has an average salary of $38,701, which is higher than the $35,179 average annual salary of a security agent.

The top three skills for a security agent include customer service, patrol and emergency situations. The most important skills for a facility security officer are security program, JPAS, and patrol.

Security agent vs facility security officer overview

	Security Agent	Facility Security Officer
Yearly salary	$35,179	$38,701
Hourly rate	$16.91	$18.61
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	125,019	124,890
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	-	-

What does a security agent do?

Security Agents guard the entrance and exit of a building, watching CCTV footage for unusual activities, and holding trespassers until authorities arrive. Being a security agent is usually a shift-based job and can sometimes last overnight. Security Agents must have first aid knowledge and basic skills with self-defense.

What does a facility security officer do?

Facility security officers supervise daily security activities, enforce control, and ensure company security policies are strictly followed. They are responsible for creating a secure working environment for employees, vendors, and company visitors. They manage and monitor daily activities concerning entry and exit, video security, and other devices related to security. They also manage employee access to restricted and protected areas, review closed-circuit recordings, coordinate with management on certain security protocols and legal requirements.

Security agent vs facility security officer salary

Security agents and facility security officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Security Agent	Facility Security Officer
Average salary	$35,179	$38,701
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $52,000	Between $28,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	Washington	Alaska
Best paying company	Inter-Con Security Systems	SMTC
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Technology

Differences between security agent and facility security officer education

There are a few differences between a security agent and a facility security officer in terms of educational background:

	Security Agent	Facility Security Officer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	-	-

Security agent vs facility security officer demographics

Here are the differences between security agents' and facility security officers' demographics:

	Security Agent	Facility Security Officer
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0%	Male, 53.4% Female, 46.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% Asian, 5.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%	Black or African American, 16.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.7% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between security agent and facility security officer duties and responsibilities

Security agent example responsibilities.

Respond to accidents, provide basic first aid and/or CPR and complete accident investigation reports.
Provide additional security patrol for numerous school events.
Monitor the facility using CCTV while simultaneously performing dispatch duties.
Establish efficient CCTV monitoring standards by distinguishing still cameras from controllable cameras.
Complete estate security using perimeter patrol and highly advance electronic surveillance and advance intrusion detection systems.
Maintain a standard of punctuality and dependability of attendance and retain myself cleanliness, tidiness, neatness and appropriately attire.

Facility security officer example responsibilities.

Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
Act as FSO and primary facility POC while FSO are away, conduct security briefings and initiating certain security actions.
Inspect classified accounts for compliance with the security regulations and policies regarding protection of classify information and COMSEC material.
Receive AED and CPR certification.
Schedule and conduct orientation, first aid, CPR and alcohol training classes.
Act as central dispatcher and carefully monitor the premises through the campus CCTV system.

Security agent vs facility security officer skills

Common security agent skills

Customer Service, 17%
Patrol, 17%
Emergency Situations, 10%
CPR, 9%
Loss Prevention, 3%
Safety Hazards, 3%

Common facility security officer skills

Security Program, 7%
JPAS, 5%
Patrol, 5%
DOD, 5%
NISP, 5%
Security Procedures, 4%

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Security Agent
Security Agent vs Facility Security Officer

Updated January 8, 2025

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